A/N: I don't own RWBY. Changed the first chapter a bit. Nothing too important. Uploading a day early. Enjoy.
10 Years Ago – Part 2: The Seventh Wielder
Ruby was a simple girl.
At least that was what she thought. But if you ask someone else; 'a simple girl' will fall a large way down in the long list of adjectives that they will use to describe the five-year-old girl in Xiao Long household.
Seriously though, don't ever ask. Like never. Ever.
There were tales that are whispered around in Patch. About what happens when someone looks at Ruby. They say that one simple look from the girl can reduce grown human beings to mere stuttering and spasming puppets, capable of only making meaningless gibberish noises. They produce long, incoherent mumbles; accompanied by occasional squeals and words like, 'So cuuute!'; 'Kawaiiiii!'; 'Kyaaaa…!'; 'D'awwww', and so on.
And if you believe the urban legends in the area; there once lived a fair maiden; who upon finishing the aforementioned rituals had looked in the eyes of Ruby Rose herself. And the said girl had tilted her head and blinked at the unsuspecting individual once; lips scrunched up in apparent confusion, as if asking; 'what the hell was that supposed to mean!?'
Eyes had widened. Squeals were heard. And unlike the other times; this one had exceeded the limit of audible frequency range; making the spectators speculate whether the squealer had accidentally torn her larynx in the process. Finally, the girl had fainted on the spot, which was later reasoned by the doctor as the result of a very elevated heart rate.
On a completely unrelated note; the same day is marked in the calendars of the entire faunus kind living in Remnant, as the day on which an eldritch demon had cried out from the very depths of hell, for the blood of all living faunus.
And as innocent as she looked, Ruby wasn't completely oblivious of the fact that she was blindingly adorable to most people. That she caused people to just stop and break out into tears sometimes as their hearts melted.
In fact she counted on it. She made sure that… if Ruby Rose looks in your eyes and asks you to do something; it's damn well sure that you have to do it.
I mean suuure… she thought of herself as a simple girl. But nobody said that a simple girl can't be so adorable. Nobody said that she can't bend their wills and twist their minds with just a pout and a blink of her eyes.
And currently… she is on a mission.
That blonde, blue-eyed boy who cried while hugging her; she is going to 'adopt' him.
Forget that she is a five-year-old with a meager collection of words in her vocabulary. Forget that she probably doesn't even know the meaning of 'adopting' someone. That her entire decision is based upon a single discussion with her father; who said that her mother had 'adopted' Uncle Qrow because he was sad and lonely. Forget all of that.
To her, the logic was simple. The blonde boy was sad and lonely too. And hence, she has to follow her mother's footsteps and 'adopt' him. Like a good daughter.
But success requires planning. After all her father is invulnerable from her famed "Puppy Dog Eyes", being the recipient of those stares enough times within her long five-year-old life.
Hence, in order to succeed, she has to bring in the big guns in this operation.
She has to bring in her mother.
And God save those who think of disagreeing with Summer Rose.
Summer Rose was having a bad day. Actually; scratch that.
Summer Rose was having a terrible day.
It had been 2 days since the Arc funeral and she still can't stop thinking about the poor boy. He looked so sad, so heartbroken. The way he was crying when Ruby hugged him; her maternal instincts were just blaring in full force to pick the boy up and never let go.
Although, that reaction was far better than the previous one he was wearing during the ceremony.
Uggh…. She shivered once again from just remembering it. Apathetic, lifeless eyes peering out from behind his grandfather's arm. Staring at the eyes of all that have gathered there, as if judging whether they are truly sad about his father's death. As if challenging them all to understand the grief of a motherless child losing his father. Mocking at their half-assed condolences, laughing at their obligatory questions regarding his health.
It was too much for her to bear.
Watching a child turn into an emotionless husk from the repeated deaths within his family. Watching him give up on hope, on family, on love. Watching a little boy of Yang's age acting like a battle-hardened huntsman.
But the worst part was watching Juniper's son acting like this.
He should be playing with his friends; returning home only to be teased mercilessly by his mother and his sisters. He should be training with his father; listening to the tales of his adventures while watching the stars in the night sky. Complaining to his 'Auntie Summer' about how his sisters are embarrassing him. Demanding gifts from her when she comes back from her missions.
It's your fault.
A little voice whispered in her ears.
It is, isn't it? She burst into tears again.
Juniper Weston was her first friend in Beacon. In the initial phase of the formation of Team STRQ; when Qrow was unsocial, Raven was too emo, Tai was mooning over Raven, and she was hyperactive and awkward; Juniper was the one who gave her company. Scooped up the little, awkward Summer and gave her confidence. That she can be a leader, that she can be a huntress.
Even though she was a senior and a very popular one at that; she was always kind to Summer. Always had a smile on her face when Summer ranted and vented away her everyday problems and frustrations on her. And whenever she asked why she helped her so much; she always gave her the same damn answer.
I always wanted a little sister.
It was largely due to her interventions that Team STRQ became functional again. And along with Summer, her teammates became fast friends with her too. Similarly, Juniper's all-girl team also adored Team STRQ and the two teams were often seen together at the cafeteria. They teased each other, played pranks on each other; they fought for each other.
In fact, Juniper started dating Arlan due to a prank played by Team STRQ. They told Juniper that they had 'seen' Arlan waiting for her at Beacon's Main Gate to ask her on a date.
And Arlan being the 'Hot-Damn-Motherfucking-Arlan!'; the guy who was practically the dream of every girl in Beacon; she was far too excited to check the truth in their information. And that was how one Arlan Arctus Arc found an overly-dressed and overly-embarrassed Juniper Weston at the main gates.
But as luck would have it; the shy little Juniper crept into his heart and they married 3 years later; making her Juniper Arc (née Weston).
Time went on; they grew up; Team STRQ and Team JSTC became fond acquaintances rather than best friends. All except Juniper and Summer. Even after they graduated from Beacon Academy; they met at least once a week for catching up. When Summer asked her for the reason; she had answered the same once again.
I always wanted a little sister.
When Juniper became pregnant for the first time; she was the first one to know about her pregnancy. Juniper promised her that she will be the Godmother of the little Arc. And Summer promised her that 'Auntie Summer' will always be there for her Goddaughter.
But the little Arc died. Juniper gave birth to a stillborn daughter.
Juniper was devastated. She still smiled in front of her husband and her Father-in-law; acting as a pillar in her broken family, but used to break down in front of Summer.
Summer was her pillar, her own facet of normalcy. She used to visit her every day and cry for hours; cursing the Gods, cursing Remnant itself for taking away her little princess. And Summer used to hold her head in her lap; listening to the curses of a heartbroken mother, who had lost her child too early; too soon.
One of these days she came back happy. Bemused at her change; Summer had asked her and heard that Juniper was pregnant. Again.
Once again; the same routine followed. Neighbors gossiped; friends teased; Summer was asked to be the Godmother.
And once again; Juniper returned empty-handed.
This time she didn't cry. Her eyes became distant and her face became emotionless. As if contemplating her very worth as a mother who can't even save her own children. The value of continuing a life that can't even hear the first cry of her newborn. Once again; Summer held her close. Coaxed her to cry; coaxed her to break out of her depression.
She cried. She healed. And once again she tried to be a mother.
Once again the world crashed down upon her.
And again.
And again.
And again.
After the sixth time; Summer had lashed out and asked her why she wanted this so much. Why was she desperate enough to ignore her doctors, her friends, her little sister? Is Arlan pressuring her for a child? And if he is doing so, why isn't she leaving him?
No. She had replied. I love Arlan. He loves me too. But there must be an heir to the Arc Family. There must be a child of Arlan Arc. There must be a child of Juniper Arc. I want to be a mother Summer. I need to be a mother! What kind of a mother am I if I can't even hear the cry of my newborn? What kind of a mother am I if I don't even have someone to call me so?
Try as she might; Juniper never told her why producing an heir was so important to her. Out of frustration, she had accused her that she was the one who had to deal with Juniper when she cried. She was the one who was there for her when the mother of a newborn came back from the cemetery instead. Shouted that enough is enough; that she can't deal when Juniper gives birth to yet another stillborn.
Juniper.
The ever polite; ever compassionate Juniper had said nothing. When Summer had finally finished her rant; she had held her close while Summer cried in her lap, just like all those years ago in Beacon. Asked her what was happening in her life. Heard about Raven leaving Tai; heard about Yang; heard about her own confused feelings towards Tai. She told her to confront her feelings and not wait for a better time. Told her to act before it gets too late. Held her close while she cried herself to sleep. And then left her house, tucking Summer in and leaving a note.
I am sorry, little sister.
Juniper never came back. All those times she went to visit Juniper; she greeted her with a smile in her face. Congratulating her on her marriage; congratulating her on becoming Yang's stepmother.
She had never felt more terrible.
The smile which was reserved for everyone else in the world; everyone who wasn't Summer that is, was now directed towards her too. She hated it.
She wanted her to cry; to hold onto her little sister and ask her why the Gods were so cruel. Why was she the only one who had to bury her children again and again and again? Instead, all she got was a cheerful happy smile; a smile that mocked her; reminded her of the times when she relied on her.
But like everything else in life; time healed that too. As time went on, her new family gave her new responsibilities, new jobs. And among those new changes; somehow, somewhere Juniper got erased from her life.
It was 8 months later when she heard the news.
Juniper had given birth to a healthy boy. Jaune Arc. But she had died during childbirth.
She had visited her funeral, she had seen her baby boy. Blonde-haired like his father; little Jaune looked like a carbon-copy of Arlan Arc.
But he had his mother's eyes.
The deepest shade of blue; so kind, so warm, inviting, encouraging. So much like his mother.
She had seen Juniper's father-in-law, Arctus; looking happy at Jaune's birth. While his own father seemed more invested in his wife's death. He didn't even acknowledge the presence of little Jaune, being so devastated in Juniper's demise.
She should have said something. Anything. Juniper would have done something, her mind pointed out.
But she fled away. Not like a little sister, who might have been Jaune's Godmother if Juniper was still alive; but like a little coward, who was far too embarrassed to even face a toddler.
She gave herself the excuse of not being familiar with the rest of the Arc Family. Even when she saw Arlan sitting by himself when she visited the missions center; she avoided him, to not face an unpleasant conversation. Even when she heard from other huntsmen that Arlan never talked about his son; she stayed silent for her own convenience. She never went to visit little Jaune and tell him what an amazing woman his mother was. She let Juniper's child grow up as an 'orphan', even while living with his own father.
I am sorry, big sister.
And just when Arlan started smiling again; started to return home early; started to bring gifts for his son again; he died making Jaune orphan. He died, protecting her. Once again, she failed Juniper.
When she saw Jaune at the funeral; standing there with the same haunted blue eyes so much like his mother; she had broken down. She wasn't just sorry for Arlan's death, she was sorry for not being there for Juniper, for not being there for Jaune even when she promised Juniper to do so. She was sorry for not being the 'Auntie Summer' that she had promised to be.
NO. I refuse. She shouted in her mind. Wet silver eyes scrunched up in anger.
I won't leave him alone again. I will take care of him as my own son. I will take care of him how Juniper would have taken care of my Ruby and Yang. I won't fail my big sister again. Nothing will stop…
"Mommy!"; a little voice shouted, breaking her thoughts.
"Ruby?" asked Summer, bemused; "What are you doing here?"
"I've been calling you for soooo long." Ruby pouted. "What were you thinking mommy?"
"Nothing sweetheart"; replied Summer, "What do you need? Is your stomach hurting again? It is; isn't it? Wait here, mommy's going to bring your medicine right now. I told you not to eat so many cookies…."
"Nooo!" shouted Ruby, embarrassed; "My tummy doesn't hurt. Who told you that?"
"Then?" asked Summer curiously; "What then Honey?"
"I... I want to adopt someone"; replied the little girl, shyly.
"Huh….? Wait… WHAT!? What do you mean you want to ADOPT someone!?" shouted Summer, flabbergasted. "Do you even know what adopting someone means?"
"Silly mommy"; giggled Ruby. "Of course I know. Daddy told me that Uncle Qrow was sad and alone and so you adopted him. I want to be like you too"; Ruby answered confidently.
"Huh?"
It took her a few seconds to understand what her daughter was telling her. Her heart filling with motherly pride, she said, "Okay then! But who do you want to adopt? Is it that black kitten I found you feeding away your fish to? Or is it that dog which comes by our house during the evenings? The one with those…."
"No, no"; Ruby interrupted again, "I want to adopt that boy we met yesterday."
"Huh…?"; once again her brain crashed at her daughter's words. "You know the one with hair like daddy"; Ruby tried to explain seeing her mother's baffled expression. "The boy who hugged me and was crying…."
"No, no. I remember him"; assured Summer. "But why do you want to adopt him? He has a family you know", asked Summer. "But he looked so sad…"; whined Ruby looking down at her feet," He didn't look like he had any family. Did he?"
"But… but"; spluttered Summer, "You can't just go and adopt him! He has a family! Why will he listen to you? Why will he need something from you, from me!?"
"Why not?" asked Ruby, honestly curious. "He looked so sad and he was crying. He needed a hug, so I hugged him and then he was happy and now he doesn't have me to give him hugs but he needs hugs so he needs me; since I can give him hugs…."; Ruby babbled away, not looking at Summer's face.
Was it that simple? Should I have just visited him and comforted him? Hugged him? She shook her head.
Of course, it was. She berated herself. He is a child. Not a middle-aged man who had to think about relationships and complex familial boundaries. He just needed someone; anyone… to hug him. To hold him in their arms and tell him that it will be okay. He needed me... to hold him and tell him that all will be okay.
Yes… yes. I won't fail you again, big sister. I will take care of him as my own. I promise you.
"Okay"; she interrupted Ruby's babbling.
"Okay?"; Ruby's eyebrows scrunched up curiously. "I can adopt him?"; she asked hopefully.
"Okay"; she nodded. "You can adopt him and give him lots of hugs; so that he will never be sad again." "You promise?" the little girl asked suspiciously, not believing her mother was convinced so easily.
Summer had never nodded so quickly before.
It wasn't too hard to convince Arctus Arc. One look at Jaune interacting with Ruby was enough for him to buy a house in Patch adjacent to the Xiao Long household. His grandchild's mental health was more important than some liens anyway.
Summer took her newfound role as the sole maternal figure in Jaune's life very seriously. They started having dinner together at her house every day. And alternatively; they all used the huge hall room in Arc House to watch movies every weekend. She was careful enough not to overwhelm him with all the sudden changes, but still showed him that she cared.
Tai was happy with Summer's decision. Although not as close as Summer, he still knew Juniper well enough from his days at Beacon. To hear her son suffering in depression; he easily agreed with his wife's decisions. Moreover, Arlan had died protecting Summer. In his eyes, this was the least he can do for his son.
Yang didn't know what to think. The new boy, Jaune; was fun enough to hang out with. But, on the other hand; he had mood swings even worse than her. One moment he was laughing with her, listening to some stupid puns from her father, the next moment he would become all silent and moody.
Eh... he is a well enough guy, if not a bit too much broody.
Ruby became practically attached to his hip. Yang had to go to her primary school and her dad had to go to his job at Signal during the day. Hence the only people left were Mommy, Granpa Arc, and Jaune, who was home-schooled by his tutors. As the only option and also to keep an eye on Jaune lest he becomes sad again, Ruby started to sit with him in those lessons. Tai had protested about it initially, but after seeing how much it helped Jaune and watching Ruby willingly attend classes; he complied. The tutors, under the orders of Arctus; used to give her some easy materials and homework to do whenever she came with Jaune.
And as for Jaune; he honestly didn't know whether this was a good or bad thing. Every time 'Auntie Summer' doted upon him or told him stories about his mother; he would become happy thinking that someone still cared. But at the same time, he was reminded of his mother; who was not there to do this. His mother, who had died while giving birth to him.
Every time he sat with Yang and listened to Uncle Tai talking about his exploits or making those terrible puns; he would laugh with her, enjoy the stories with her. And then he would become silent remembering his own father; who had died protecting Auntie Summer. His own father who can't do this with him.
Yang reminded him of his sisters. He liked to think that in another world; where he was not the only Arc child; he would probably have a bunch of sisters or even a twin like Yang. Loud, cheerful, teasing but also a surprisingly caring and loving sister.
And finally Ruby. Honestly, Ruby is probably the only reason he isn't bursting into tears spontaneously; or isn't jumping into the forest to become tasty evening snacks to the Grimm. She is the only reason that is preventing him from just leaving (aside from his Grandfather); preventing him from just giving up. God knows how the hell she can be so upbeat and positive all day long.
But try as he might; he wasn't able to involve himself completely into the Xiao Long Household. At least to the degree which he wanted to. The degree to which Auntie Summer or Ruby wanted to. Because to do so; he would have to hope for it first. He would have to hope for a family that will love him. Unconditionally. Love him for being himself; without any reason, without any agenda.
But nothing hurts as much as hope, especially when it is crushed.
He knew that well enough by now.
"What am I doing wrong?" asked Summer dejectedly; for the umpteenth time; 'Why doesn't he talk to me?"
"Honey, you are not doing anything wrong. Trust me, I know"; reassured Tai. "But he isn't happy! He only smiles when he sees us. I have seen him cry when he thinks he is alone. Why doesn't he tell me?! I care for him, I love him; but… but, I don't… I don't…"; Summer broke down crying again.
"Shh…shh…"; Tai rubbed circles on his wife's back, "It's all right. It's not your fault. You are not doing anything wrong, love. You are not doing anything wrong."
"I don't understand"; whispered Summer, still sobbing; "I am not Yang's mother, but she still loves me as her own. Why doesn't Jaune see that I want to be there for him? That I care for him, that I love him? Why does he avoid me?"
"Shh…. Jaune doesn't hate you, neither is he avoiding you specifically. He is just sad. You have to understand that he had just lost his father. He had just known about his mother. All that we can do now is give him some space and let him know that we are there for him. We have to give him time, only time can make him come around.
And Yang was hardly a year old when you started taking care of her. To her, you were her only mother. But Jaune... he is new here, he is new in this situation. You can't expect a seven-year-old to get over his parent's death so quickly."
Summer's sob faded hearing his words. "I… I understand. Thank you, love. But… I just want him to be happy; you know? I want him to laugh, to play around, to get in troubles; to… to act like Yang. To act like a seven-year-old; not like this…, not like… whatever this is."
"Don't worry so much, he will come around"; assured Tai. "He has you. He has Yang, and Ruby, and me. He has his grandfather. He will get better eventually."
"I hope so Tai", Summer murmured against Tai's chest; "I really hope so."
And Jaune did get better, but almost a year after his father's death. And that too under some rather unavoidable circumstances.
Ruby was in a hunt.
A hunt for a certain blonde boy.
You see today is her sixth birthday, and after endless hours of pouting and nagging; she had finally managed to convince her mom and dad to let her visit the holiday cabin in the woods.
Alone, without parents. And they have agreed to let her go as long as she takes both Yang and Jaune with her.
Well, they didn't know that she was going to take them anyway.
Heh. Joke's on them.
And that is why she is going to wake up Jaune; so that they can team up and wake her older sister. Nothing short of a bomb blast can wake her up anyway.
"Jaune! Jaaaaaaune!"; she cried, "Wake uuuup! Waaaaaake uuuuup!" She jumped on his bed.
At around the ten-second mark, when she accidentally landed on his stomach; only then did he jump up. Wide awake.
"Don't worry pretty, red-headed princess! The Huntsman is here! I will save you from this vile monster!" His sleep-ridden eyes hazily focused on Ruby's confused silver ones.
"You!"; he snapped. "You dare attack the princess under my watch!? You vile, cruel monster, you. But no more! You will no longer harass innocent maidens! The Huntsman is here! Prepare to die! Ahhhhhhh… Uuh... Huh?"
His war cry turned into a confused one watching his target laughing uncontrollably pointing at his face. "Oh my god! Hahahaha! Oh my god, Jaune!"; she wheezed between her laughing.
"Ruby?"; he squinted his eyes, trying to make an understanding of the situation. "Ruby"; he recognized who was laughing and rolling on his bed. "Ruby!"; sleep flew out of his eyes; understanding why she was laughing. "You… you can't tell anybody!"; he shouted, face red in embarrassment. "Please don't tell Yang", he murmured, eyes downcast thinking about all the teasing that he will face if Yang Xiao Long hears about his dreams.
Her laughing stopped watching the horror-stricken expression on his face. She shivered slightly too, thinking about the wide grin on Yang's face if she ever came to know this. "Don't worry, Jaune. I am not that cruel"; she assured.
"Oh. Ohhhh…"; Jaune slumped down in apparent relief. "Thanks, Ruby. I owe you one", he acknowledged. "Although…"; his face scrunched up in confusion, "What are you doing here so early? It's Sunday, isn't it?"
All traces of emotion fled from her face. "You don't know?"; she phrased it more like a statement than a question. Seeing his bemused expression; her visage became darker, more sinister. "You. Don't. Know. Huh? You don't know what today is, do you?"
Watching the change of emotion on her face Jaune shivered in fear and tried to assuage her worries. "No, no. Of… Of course, I know what today is. I am just seeing if you know." Watching Ruby's unimpressed expression Jaune stuttered again. "Wait! Wait. Today is 31st October. So… today is Halloween? Today is Halloween!"; he smiled, victoriously.
"And… "; drawled Ruby.
"Wait? There's more?"; watching her face contort into one promising pain he blurted out quickly; "Of course there's more! How can I forget the more! The more is more important than all the other more! One cannot simply forget the more! Heh, heh, heh…"; he laughed nervously.
After ten nerve-wracking seconds of an 8-year old cowering before a 6-year old; Jaune gasped out in realization. "It's your birthday, isn't it!?" Watching her nod; he rushed over and hugged her; "Happy Birthday Ruby"; he congratulated. "Although… what are you doing here so early? Where's Auntie? Or Yang for that matter?"
A light pink dusted her cheeks. "I wan… to be… fir… me"; she murmured, still hugging him. "Huh?"; he asked, not understanding what she said. "I wanted you to be the first one to wish me"; she elaborated, pushing her face more tightly in his chest.
"Oh?"; he asked, confused. "Ohhh", he nodded, understanding what she is trying to say. Jaune hugged her closer, thanking the gods for the umpteenth time for sending someone so sweet to take care of him. Someone who put him above her own family; despite his rather cold attitude towards them, despite his not so subtle dismissal towards them.
Untangling from each other Ruby explained the day's agenda to him. Assuring her that he will be ready within a few hours, he sent her home; where no doubt Auntie Summer is already searching for her.
He freshened up and notified their butler, Pollock; to prepare his breakfast. Finishing his daily morning rituals quickly, he ate his daily diet of brown toasts and boiled eggs. Finishing his meal under the ever-watchful eyes of Pollock, he went to his room to give finishing touches on his present. After all; how can he possibly forget Ruby's birthday? He just liked to tease her and watch her glare at him with all the ferociousness of a newborn kitten.
His gift was a red-colored brooch designed like a rose. It was based on the belt buckle that Auntie Summer wore; only that was grey while this is red. He had ordered the best jeweler in Vale to make this piece based on the pictures of Auntie Summer that he had. Watching Ruby's obsession with her mother's cloak, it was clear to anyone watching that it is simply a matter of time before she adorns one of her own. He thought that the brooch will be a practical enough gift to tie that cloak around her neck and will also carry on the tradition of wearing Rose emblems.
It was almost midday when the trio ventured within the woods. Leaving two concerned parents and one concerned grandparent behind; they marched on to celebrate Ruby's birthday with a picnic.
Honestly; if not for Ruby's mysterious, heart-wrenching pouts and expressions; no way the adults would have left them alone to do this. Let them go alone in the woods where the only one with battle experience was Jaune, and that too came from killing a couple of Beowolf cubs that he had faced under his grandfather's supervision.
Yang took point in the little group; being the only one among them who actually knew the way. Ruby remained in the middle, carrying the picnic basket and fiddling with the red brooch pinned on her dress. And Jaune took the rear guard carrying Crocea Mors at his waist; watching their surroundings for any unexpected surprise. Not that they would likely find any.
This part of the woods, being housed behind a colony of hunters had always been rather empty of Grimms. Whether from the hours of training to kill Grimm or just from the general absence of negativity in the atmosphere; that they cannot say. Moreover, Uncle Tai and Auntie Summer had traversed the entire road to the shack just this morning; to kill any stragglers that may have remained behind.
Hence; their trip was almost pleasant, if you don't count Yang's continuous teasing of the young Arc and Rose about the so beautiful brooch that Jaune has gifted.
They walked for about half an hour to reach the cabin; seeing that they had no reason to hurry. Talking about Ruby's birthday party which will be hosted in the Arc mansion, to Yang's friends that she was very eager to introduce to them. They talked about the costumes that they were going to wear tonight for Halloween, to the various under-handed tactics that Ruby had pulled over the years to get more candies on this day.
The first sign that Jaune got about something being wrong; was when they were already near their destination. Ruby was shouting at the top of her voice in glee when they saw the cabin peeking out from behind the trees. Breaking out of their conversation for the first time since they had started walking; Jaune noticed that something was different. Something was wrong here.
It didn't take much time to figure out what it was exactly.
There was no noise in the woods. No birds or animals or even little insects were in their line of vision, and above that none of them were making any sound. It triggered an old memory in his mind; talking with his grandfather before his first Grimm hunt.
Jaune, why do you think the Grimm kills? They don't get hungry after all.
Umm… because they like to kill everything that they see?
No. His grandfather had shaken his head. The Grimm doesn't attack wildlife like that. The only fights between Grimm and wild animals had always been about their territory. Always remember; wild animals don't remain in the same area as the Grimm. If you see any wildlife nearby; you can be sure that there are no Grimm living there.
"Guys?"; he whispered, urgently.
Hearing the urgency in his voice; Ruby and Yang stopped walking and turned around; watching him inquisitively to hear his statement.
"I think something's wrong here. I think there may be a Grimm nearby"; he explained to them.
As reckless as Yang can be; being the daughter of two famous hunters had taught her enough not to dismiss instincts. After all; good instincts are the only difference between a good hunter and a dead one. She nodded and motioned him to take point, while she pulled Ruby in her arms.
"Dammit"; Yang hissed under her breath, "there's no signal in my scroll." Nobody corrected her language; being far busier in studying their surroundings.
"I think we should go back"; Jaune proposed. "I have a bad feeling about this."
Agreeing to his words; the little group turned around to go back following the same way that they had used to come here. Meanwhile; Jaune took the rear guard again; taking his blade and the shield in his hands, hearing for any sounds that can indicate the presence of Grimm.
They walked for a minute or so; their moods grim from the silence in the woods. Jaune trained his ears to catch any kind of sound that he can hear. So far; he hadn't heard anything significant. Only the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, Ruby's long dress scratching through the forest floor; bushes rustling as wild animals moved through them, Yang's...
Wait, WHAT!?
There's no wildlife here! That means... that means it isn't a wild animal that is trailing behind them but a…
CLANG! The shield reverberated from the blow of the beowolf that barrelled on them watching their hesitation. "GO! GO! GO!"; Jaune shouted even as he dodged and bashed the beowolf on its head with his shield. "TAKE RUBY AND RUN! CALL FOR HELP!"
All their hesitation and reluctance fled away when they saw two more beowolves walking into the clearing. Being grown up in a hunter household; they knew their own capabilities better than most. Unlike Jaune; who is home-schooled, Yang is supposed to begin her training next year while Ruby still had three years left to start it. Their presence will hinder only Jaune's movements; who will have to protect them as well as fight the beowolves. The best thing that they can do is bring their parents here as soon as possible. So, they started running; with Ruby practically hanging from Yang's arms, too petrified to move from the sudden turn of events.
Jaune let out a breath watching them run away from the corner of his eyes. Now being able to focus wholly on the ongoing battle; he regarded his opponents carefully.
The beowolf that had attacked them initially had already shaken out of its shield induced daze. It was snarling in anger towards the swordsman while its two companions were regarding the situation carefully. Watching the snarling beowolf crouch down on his hind legs; he prepared himself for the upcoming jump.
The beowolf jumped at Jaune; who in turn used his small height and crouched down into a ball, causing the Grimm to fly above him. Just as the beowolf landed; Jaune slashed Crocea Mors cutting down its hind legs; making it impossible for the Grimm to jump or move.
Meanwhile, the two remaining Grimms had flanked Jaune from both sides; making it impossible for him to block the both of them. Jaune saw the trap and instead rolled towards the injured beowolf; using its body as a makeshift shield to protect himself, at least as long as the beowolf doesn't die from the loss of blood from his missing legs.
One of the charging Grimm saw his action and halted. But the other one had already jumped towards him, leading to its clamping down on beowolf flesh instead of human. The injured one turned into dust at the sudden attack; while the one attacking had a bleeding jaw from munching on the bone plates and spikes on its brother's back. Howling in pain; it didn't have the time to see Jaune plunging his sword through the hole created in the bone mask on its face; finishing the job by ripping through its skull.
The last member of the party didn't attack him directly; seeing the fate of its teammates and instead raised its head to howl. Understanding its intention and the horrible consequences should it succeed, he rushed from his makeshift barrier. Jaune rammed the shield in its exposed throat; which became visible when it tilted its head upward to call for its pack.
The howl stopped and instead a choking whine emerged from the throat of the remaining beowolf. Normally; it would have been simple enough for a Grimm to shake off the attack of an 8-year-old. But Jaune was taught to reinforce his strikes with Aura from a very small age; both for wielding a heavy blade like Crocea Mors and also for compensating the lack of strength in his young body. As such; the beowolf wasn't able to defend itself from the Aura enhanced sword strike that decapitated its head from the body.
Any 8-year-old would have been proud of himself to defeat three fully grown beowolf by his lonesome. And Jaune wasn't that different from them, but cheering in his victory was the last thing in his mind at the moment. For though the beowolf hasn't been able to howl; its distressed whine had attracted its pack towards Jaune.
8 fully grown beowolves snarled at him and surrounded Jaune. Angry at him for the demise of their pack-mates at his hand.
1 Alpha beowolf stood back in the bushes; its body almost twice in size than its pack members. Silently judging him for all he's worth.
Jaune froze in his tracks. With 3 beowolves there was still a possibility for him winning. And win he did, but he had to use a large portion of his Aura reserve. It can probably support him for landing a couple more blows or taking a couple more hits.
My only hope is Yang. If I can stall them for enough time; maybe someone will be able to reach me. But I can't take hits and neither can I use my Aura to hit them. If my Aura goes to red; I will get injured here; which is the worst possible outcome for me.
Jaune cracked his neck and crouched down; preparing to sprint. Just as the beowolf pack seemed ready to pounce upon him, he shot forward; making the Grimms confused. The Grimm in front of him; having misjudged the distance of its prey, tried to change its stance in the air; making it tumble down on Jaune's shield. Jaune tilted it in the side; thus not having to defend against the full force of the strike and pushed it towards another beowolf. They tangled together and fell; seemingly out of balance.
It would have been easy to kill them with a few Aura enhanced strikes, but the now cautious, remaining beowolves quickly dissuaded him of that notion. However, cautious or not; the Grimm are a species known for their brutality and their single-minded desire of killing humans and faunus.
As such, they did attack him immediately; but just not at the same time. So that the next time he tries to pull this kind of trick, someone will be waiting to respond in kind.
The battle went very bad, very fast after that. One can only dodge only so many swipes without using their Aura. Especially, if the said person is an 8-year-old child. As expected; he had to use his Aura to dodge way more than once within the next couple of minutes, and even then he acquired a large number of cuts and bruises. Pushing him to the point where he can only produce a faint glow around his body. Not even enough to enhance his muscles.
A pair of beowolves jumped at him from his front and left side. Making him roll towards his right; where he had to raise his shield to block a claw strike from a third one that was waiting for him there. Raising Crocea Mors he drove the blade through the relatively soft eyehole of the looming beowolf. The injured Grimm cried in pain and backhanded him away, even as black blood started to flow through its injured eye.
Rolling down the ground to decrease his momentum and cushion his fall; Jaune realized something very, very bad. Crocea Mors is still stuck in the face of the injured Grimm.
For the first time since the battle had started; death seemed more like an inevitability instead of a likely possibility. Facing a pack of beowolves with nothing but his shield is a sure-fire way to commit suicide. Even his Aura is flickering out around his body.
Thinking on his lost sword; he had a lapse of concentration from the ongoing battle. That proved to be fatal for him. The beowolves that he had dodged in the first place; came running towards him; preparing to end this farce of a battle for good.
Sensing their arrival too late; Jaune was barely able to raise his shield to defend himself from the barrelling beowolf. Without Aura; even though his shield remained intact, his left arm snapped from the force of matured Grimm. The other one took this chance to swipe at his face. No longer being able to use his left arm and thus his shield; he pushed all of his Aura to protect his face; and jerked it to the left side as much as possible.
The claw paused at the defensive barrier of the Aura for a moment; making Jaune satisfied and the beowolf very unhappy. So, with a mighty roar; it swiped again with all its force on his face.
For a moment it looked as if his white aura will deflect this one as well. His false confidence shattered as the clawed hand broke through the barrier and swiped through the right side of his skull, and Jaune felt blood flowing down his face.
His right eye seemed dysfunctional; while his entire body screamed in agony. Blood seeped over his other eye as well; restricting his eyesight to a bare minimum.
People say; that at the moment when you die; you remember about the people you will miss the most. The people whom you love the most. But Jaune only felt regret. Huge, soul-crushing regret.
Regret for not knowing the Xiao Long family better. He can't even remember his mother, and still, he clutched at an idiotic and foolish notion of betraying his mother's memories by opening up to Auntie Summer.
His heart started beating faster.
Regret for dying here; in this godforsaken woods. Regret for making his dear Granpa bury yet another one of his family members. To make him watch the end of the Arc family in front of his eyes.
His heart started beating even faster. He could feel his blood slowly pool over his face.
Regret for not knowing Yang better. For avoiding Uncle Tai. He could tell that they forcibly made time out of their busy schedules to spend it with him.
His heart was now beating so fast it honestly felt like it would burst out of his body.
Regret for not being able to spend more time with Ruby. She is probably the only reason; that he is stable after everything that had happened. And even then he had pushed her away and made her break through his boundaries, forcibly. And break through she did; she broke down each and every one of them and placed a smile on his face.
Oh God! A dark chuckle threatened to escape his throat. He acted exactly like his father! He pushed them away while they tried their best to come closer.
Heh. At least his father had a chance to make amends before dying. It doesn't seem like he will have any.
But..., he is an Arc; isn't he? And like a true Arc; he is giving his life away to protect the innocent. The weak. He can't be ashamed of such a fate. He can't be ashamed of acting like his father.
So…, he opened his eyes; to stare at the very death himself.
And then blinked in confusion.
Huh? Where am I?
Whatever this place was; it was certainly not a forest. And neither was it noon. The stars were blinking in the night sky; with a full moon adorned in it.
But where are the beowolves? Come to think of it; why didn't they attack me already? It seemed a long time ago when it swiped at my… WAIT! WHAT!?
His face jerked back towards the sky. Violently.
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!? IS THAT A FUCKING FULL MOON IN THE SKY? Why isn't it SHATTERED?
"Al! Al!"; a shout broke him out of his inner monologue. "Are you okay? Do you want to try again?"; a female voice asked.
Even though he wanted to shout back; that he is definitely not okay, that probably the entire-fucking-Remnant is not okay; he felt his own lips move out of his control. "Its okay Tia"; he answered. "My concentration broke again."
The now identified Tia hummed; and then spoke up, "I think it will be better if you actually use it in battle. What do you think?"
"Ah. Well; you are the boss, teach."
She giggled in response; the sound making Jaune suspect that this 'Tia' is very young in age. Around his own probably.
"Okay then. Do you see that Grimm coming this way?"; Jaune saw a beowolf snarling at him. "Kill it without using your weapon"; she instructed. Wait, WHAT? What do you mean by… But his treacherous mouth spoke up again; "Okay. I will try my best."
He felt himself closing his eyes.
Take a deep breath. Tia's voice whispered.
He felt himself taking a deep breath.
Feel your heart beating in your chest. Feel, as if it is starting to beat faster. Even faster. So fast that it is trying to break out of your body.
Jaune felt exactly like how he was feeling before he came here.
Fell your veins bulging with blood, your muscles contracting and expanding to hold your strength. Feel your nerves tingling with energy. Feel the air slowing down around your face. Feel your brain thrumming with power. Feel every molecule, every atom of your body shaking in anticipation; vibrating with power. Vibrating with electrICITY!
Jaune opened his eyes in shock and saw his hand vibrating so fast; that it is literally leaving after-images in its wake. And above that; his whole body is covered with electricity, making him look like a beacon of yellow light under the night sky. Bolts of electricity jumping up and down from his body; seemingly moving under their own free will.
He looked up from his body and his breath hitched in his throat. The world that he knew had slowed down to a crawl – almost closer to stopping than actually moving forward. The grass in the field; which had been swaying in a light breeze; are now almost stationary. The beowolf which was preparing to lunge at him when he closed his eyes; was still in the same position. Hind legs bent backward, its visage is fixed in an angry scowl pointed at him.
This is a form of elemental magic. Tia whispered. Just like the Grimm is created from Chaos magic; this is a form of Creation magic.
What!? The Grimm was created? And by magic!? Jaune wanted to turn around and ask her more about this, but once again his body moved against his will and walked towards the now stationary Grimm. He held his hand in front of him, and then promptly shoved it in its chest.
Black blood leaked from the wound as his hand passed smoothly through the bone plating, sprinkling all over his face and making it impossible to see. He shook his head vigorously to clean the blood and opened his eyes again.
This time; he found himself back in the woods. With his right hand inside the chest of his looming executioner. It didn't even have the time to change the expression on its face; as Jaune pulled his hand out just as easily, and stood up.
His left hand was still broken, but the tingly feeling of electricity passing through his body had numbed it enough to dismiss it for the time being. He walked to the Grimm that still had his sword stuck in its eyes, and pulled his blade out. Watched as the electricity spread from his fingertips and danced around the sword's edges; making it look even more deadly.
He turned around; and then slowly but surely, executed each and every Grimm in the area. The blade passing through their tough hide like a butter knife through butter. The edges of their skin burned from the touch of his blade; probably due to the flow of such a huge quantity of electricity in them.
When he reached the Alpha at last; he was feeling extremely dizzy. The blood pouring down through the vicious cut on his face was causing him to lose his sight as well as his consciousness. Still, he powered through and walked in front of the Alpha, cradling his broken arm awkwardly. He pulled his blade high up; even as he felt the blue colored electricity flickering away, probably due to him being on the verge of unconsciousness.
Just before he plunged his sword down on its face; he saw its eyes blink in confusion; as if wondering the reason for the death of its pack members.
Jaune slipped into unconsciousness with a smirk on his face.
When Yang ultimately reached home; it was already ten minutes since she had left Jaune to face the beowolves on his own. "MOM! DAD! ANYONE! HELP! PLEASE HELP!"; she shouted. Her parents, as well as her uncle Qrow, bolted through the door. Her mother's eyes roamed over their bodies expertly and then widened when she noticed the absence of Jaune.
"What happened Yang?"; her father commanded, urgently.
"Jaune… Grimm… Shack…"; her voice shook in fear and shock as she forced the words out. She saw her father and uncle rushing out towards the woods through the corner of her eyes; even as she slumped down in exhaustion. She felt, rather than saw her mother take Ruby out of her arms and lay her on the ground gently.
"It will be okay sweety"; she heard her mother say in her ears. "Everything will be okay. You have saved Ruby today. You have saved your little sister. I am so proud of you"; she whispered.
Did she though? Did she really save her sister from the Grimm? Did she save her life like a hero? No.
Heh.
No. Who is she kidding? She fled like a fucking coward while a boy who was at best an acquaintance; gave his own life away to protect them instead. A boy even younger than her; stood his ground while she fled for her life.
Tears sprung down again from her eyes. As if understanding her thought process; Summer held her close; pulling both of her girls on her lap, she assured them. "Don't worry honey. He will be all right. Jaune is a tough boy. Some ordinary Grimm can't stop him from coming back"; she whispered, even though her own words seemed fake to herself.
When Taiyang Xiao Long reached near the shack; Qrow was already there, leaning in front of the boy.
'Is he okay?"; he asked worriedly. Qrow nodded. "He will be. Taken a swipe at his face, but it should heal up pretty soon when his Aura replenishes. Will probably lose his right eye, but he will live."
Tai nodded and looked around. It was definitely a fierce battle that happened here. "How many?"
Qrow whistled and turned around, "When I came; there were at least six beowolves dying around. Add that to the Alpha here; it's a miracle that he is even alive."
"Yeah"; Tai agreed with his judgment, "These Arcs always were some tough fuckers." Qrow stood up; having finished bandaging Jaune. "Let's go then. Summer and the girls are no doubt worrying about him."
Tai nodded and they walked out of the clearing; with Qrow carrying the unconscious Arc in his arms.
Seeing Jaune alive was probably the sole reason that broke Yang out of her shock.
When she saw him first; in uncle Qrow's arms, his face bloodied and his left arm hanging uselessly by his side, she had imagined the worst. It was only when her father had come over and assured her mom; that she had finally let the breath out, that she was holding back unknowingly.
She had stood by his bedside, holding hands with her mother and her sister; while her father went to inform Granpa Arc. Ruby; who had remained silent in shock for so long, had promptly broken down in tears watching Jaune's blood-covered body.
Summer had ushered them out not long after that; saying that she has to clean him up and reapply his bandages. And Yang had tucked Ruby in her bed and went outside to get some fresh air.
Stupid.
She punched the tree.
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
She punched even harder.
When Jaune saved us and fought those Grimms by himself; I ran away like a fucking coward.
She started kicking the tree now.
He will lose his eye because I was too weak. He could have lost his life; because… I was WEAK! Because... I was a FUCKING COWARD!
She kept on kicking and punching; even though her Aura flickered away and blood leaked out through the newly made wounds. Even though her whole body seemed to be in fire from the intense pain she was experiencing.
NO MORE! She roared in her mind. I will never be WEAK AGAIN! I will never run away from a fight again! I will never fail to protect those that I love. And if someone tries to harm my loved ones; I. WILL. BURN. THEM. DOWN!
Her normal lilac-colored eyes turned to blood-red. Her hairs stood up; flying in a seemingly invisible wind. Flames covered her entire body; the tree in front of her broke down at her punches. Even then she looked for a culprit; someone she can pound to the ground for raising her ire.
It could have been a minute. It could also have been a second. The last she saw was her uncle; holding her hands back and saying her to calm down. She fell in his chest; utterly spent of both anger as well as her energy.
Once again; Arctus Arc turned out to be a very reasonable man. He heard what happened from Tai; and took Jaune back to the Arc Mansion, reassuring them that he didn't found them at fault for what happened. After all, he gave permission for the picnic too. Watching Summer's disapproving stare at his seemingly blasé attitude, he had explained.
You know that the Arcs are of a Royal Lineage right? Watching them nod, he had continued.
When we took our roles as the rulers of Humanity; we took upon new principles and fundamentals on the Arc name.
Since that time, the foundations of the Arc Family has been centered on its members being the protectors of Remnant. It is mentioned within our principles; it is chanted when we unlock our Aura. It is what the elders had taught their younger generations; for hundreds of years. It is what I; what Arlan had taught him.
While I would have been happier if he had come out uninjured; I still cannot fault him for following what I taught. I cannot be a hypocrite and tell him that I am angry that he wanted to save Yang and Ruby. Not when I would have done it too; even at the cost of my own life.
The rather small speech had made them see the Arc family in a new light. The Arcs were always famous in Remnant; giving birth to so many prodigies and geniuses that the world had never seen before. But to think that the principles of such an old and noble lineage, be based upon such idealistic morals; it had shaken them to their very core. It also made them understand why Arlan had sacrificed his life so readily to save Summer.
They had parted their ways promising that they will visit Jaune daily till he regains consciousness. Summer started to make foods for Arctus and helped him look after Jaune. Tai started to visit the Arc family daily in the evenings after coming back from Signal, to talk with Arctus. Yang and Ruby visited him whenever they could; watching and waiting for him to wake up. Qrow promised that he will tutor Jaune on his sword skills whenever he had the time.
Overall; this little incident pushed the two families closer than ever before. After all, nothing is quite as good as a near-death experience to create bondings that can withstand the test of time.
Jaune woke up from his Aura induced coma after almost 5 whole days. During this time; his Aura had forced him into a coma and worked on his numerous cuts and scrapes; healing them one at a time.
When he woke up; there was nobody in his room. He could hear his grandfather polishing Crocea Mors in their Armoury. Humming a tune; that he had always heard him hum ever since he was a little kid. There was a chair by his bedside; probably where his grandfather sat while he was in his room.
Jaune stumbled out of his bed, slowly; both for not making noise and to avoid flaring up his still-healing wounds.
He slowly walked towards his dressing table and unlocked his scroll. Mouthing a silent thanks towards his Granpa for charging it, he unlocked the screen.
What? Five days! I have been unconscious for five whole days! Huh. Maybe the wounds were worse than I believed. Wonder how my right eye is?
Curious at his right eye's condition, he slowly opened the bandage covering his face. Okay; just a scar passing over my right eye. This is definitely much better than I thought. Man! I took a full-powered swipe from a Grimm on my eye; without my Aura. I probably wouldn't have been surprised if my entire eye was fucked up. I wonder if it is harmed?
He opened his right eye slowly and blinked it a few times to adjust it with the lighting in his room. It had been tied up for a long time after all. When he regained his vision in both eyes; he walked in front of the mirror; to watch its condition.
And then..., he screamed. Loudly.
His grandfather threw away the shield he was polishing and hurried up to Jaune's room; thankful that he is finally awake and also curious at his screaming. The reason, however, became rather obvious once he stood in front of the mirror with his grandson.
His left eye is still normal; a deep blue iris standing within white. However; the white part of his right eye has turned into a lighter shade of blue. A cobalt blue iris surrounded by an ocean blue sclera. Making the entire eye seem completely blue from a distance.
At the same time; the white shield thrown away by Arctus in his hurry; started glowing brightly with a white-colored light.
"Jaune Arlan Arc"
The name of the seventh and final 'True Wielder' appeared upon its surface. And then with a similar brilliant glow; all the seven names got erased. Marking the end of whatever it was that affected this blade; with the choosing of its Seventh Wielder.
A/N: Really hope you like it.
Let me know.
Ciao!
Next Chapter on 12th April 2020.